The role of past sun exposure, infection history and other exogenous factors in Multiple Sclerosis

多发性硬化症(MS)是一种慢性脑和脊髓自身免疫性炎症性疾病，可导致不同程度的残疾。多发性硬化症的病因尚不清楚，目前还没有治愈方法。然而，有强有力的证据表明，遗传易感性和环境因素都很重要。这项环境病例对照研究将在塔斯马尼亚州进行，并将与MS上的一个基因项目同时进行，该项目允许评估基因与环境的相互作用。它的重点是感染、儿童感染的时间和长期暴露在阳光下。有人提出，多发性硬化症可能是由于病毒感染后的免疫紊乱，儿童感染的时间最初可能是重要的。此外，在澳大利亚，当一个人从昆士兰搬到塔斯马尼亚时，多发性硬化症的患病率增加了七倍。这种纬度梯度可能是由于紫外线辐射，通过影响免疫功能。除了这些主要关注点外，这项研究还将包括其他环境因素，如化学品、饮食和疫苗接种。希望这个项目将有助于更好地了解MS的原因，这对于预防策略和设计最佳治疗方案是相关的。

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. It focuses on infections, timing of childhood infections and long term sun exposure. It has been suggested that MS may be due to an immune disturbance following viral infection and that the timing of childhood infections may be initially important. Also, in Australia, there is a sevenfold increase in MS prevalence as one moves from Queensland to Tasmania. This latitudinal gradient might be due to ultra violet radiation, through an influence on immune function. Beside those main focuses, the study will include other environmental factors like chemicals, diet and vaccinations. Hopefully this project will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of MS, which are relevant for preventative strategies and devising optimal treatment.